This week I’ve got a round up of Grinch-minded rants and also some people who deserve angel awards for their good holiday deeds.
The Grinch awards go to…
1. Parents who act like dopes and make the holidays all about money and stuff – I’ve seen a lot of lame parent behavior this season, but parents who focus on the money are my Grinch award winners of the week…
I know this little girl who wants a moderately priced gift for Christmas. Her mom has been bitching at her about how expensive the gift is, and how she’s not getting it, or if she does she’s only getting that one thing, and how it’s going to be way too hard on her to buy. I get not always being able to afford stuff you want, but dragging your child into this during the holidays is super lame in my opinion.
I think money and kids DO mix and it’s important for kids to understand what things cost. However, it’s not cool to make kids feel bad and stressed, especially because with some creativity, there’s no need. This mom could have simply talked – not raged at her child about the situation. Or how about helping her child to find another holiday wish list item? This child told me the other day (sadly, I might add), “I’m just too expensive, and shouldn’t have asked for anything” – massive holiday fail on the mom’s part.
On the flip side are parents who buy WAY too much for their kids (40+ gifts and so on) and fail to discuss any sort of meaning related to the holidays. Holidays shouldn’t be all about stuff. I’m not getting why parents aren’t teaching their kids this lesson.
2. Triclosan – in case you’re unaware, triclosan is a big bad, and its use goes up during the holiday season, due to cold and flu fears. Triclosan is a toxic germ killing chemical found in antibacterial products like soap (76% of liquid soaps and 29% of bar soaps) and it’s also found in toothpaste, cosmetics, face wash, and deodorant, as well as in household products, such as countertops, textiles, kitchenware, and children’s toys.
Triclosan also is very toxic to aquatic life and can cause antibiotic-resistant super germs! Go super germs! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality recently discovered that triclosan is one of the “highest priority toxic pollutants” in Oregon’s waterways. Right now, if you live in PDX, you can take the Love Your River challenge and STOP using antibacterial products. If you live anywhere else, I advise not using antibacterial products either. It’s nice to have clean rivers and less killer germs for Christmas.
3. Lame holiday cosmetics aimed at kids – so, even after all my rants about non-toxic body care, some of my pals STILL buy their kids lame toxic, chemical filled holiday body products. Why? Because they’re cute and freaking everywhere. For example, adorable tubes of cupcake and peppermint lip gloss or ruby red and evergreen nail polish packaged for kids sit at the checkout station in most stores. These products just beg parents “Buy me – I’m soooooo adorable!” but they’re filled with stuff your kids shouldn’t be exposed to.
For example, Bonne Bell Candy Lip Gloss for little girls contains chemicals known to cause developmental and reproductive toxicity, allergies and immunotoxicity, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, irritation and more. But it’s not just Bonne Bell products – it’s also most of those cheap novelty body care products and cosmetics you see targeted at kids that pose a risk.
I’m not just blaming companies though. As a parent, it’s your job not to buy grossly chemical filled cosmetics for your child, no matter how darn adorable the packaging may be. Get educated. Read Teen Girls’ Body Burden of Hormone-Altering Cosmetics Chemicals for more information and search out safe, organic cosmetics for your child.
4. Non-browning fruit – seriously? Um, we already add food coloring to oranges to make them “more” orange and now we’ve got GMO fruit that never ages on the table. Can you say yum! I’m betting the USDA approves this one, just to be awesome.
5. The McDonald’s lawsuit – which I’m still fuming about.
Not everyone is Grinching out though – this week’s angel awards go to…
1. ecouterre for their 100% clever and sweet DIY tutorial about how to upcycle broken Christmas lights into sparkly holiday accessories. These are great last minute gifts for girls who have everything.
2. Free Range Kids for their hilarious 2010 “GOLDEN HELICOPTER PARENTING AWARDS.” They’ve got creepy mom locating devices, banned pencils, pornographic Barbies and lots of other stuff that will crack you up.
3. Marye over at Restless Chipotle for her Roast Chicken with Citrus and Aromatics post, which frankly came at a bad time since I just quit eating meat again, (you”ll see why when you see her delicious pictures). However, beyond this amazing looking dinner idea, she does this awesome side-by-side comparison of organic chicken vs. conventional, which is a lovely way to show the benefits of pesticide-free eating.
4. Mila’s Daydreams for an AMAZING idea for a DIY family tree photo.
5. And last, but not least these super cool Candy Wrappers from Twinkle Brands, made with 100% wool and ready to be filled with your favorite treats, gifts or messages. So clever and perfect for holidays and other fun occasions. I bet this would be a good DIY project too.
Grinch & Angel Goodies…
- My Natural Dr. Seuss Grinch – Fair Trade Grinch doll made with cotton (not organic sadly) but also made with low impact reactive dyes, free of heavy metals and toxic substances.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
– it’s hard to beat the classics. Someone should make a recycled paper version. Although, if you buy used, that’s nice too.
- Adorable Oeuf Angel Baby Sweater handmade with Fair Trade 100% baby alpaca (in gray or white) plus Angel Booties.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Jennifer,
You’ve done it again. You never fail to entertain, enlighten and inspire. Thank you!